About Us
Seattle Urban Nature was formed in 1998 to survey and document habitats on 8,000 acres of Seattle Public Land. The goal of this effort was to provide a base of information that would assist the city and community groups to better manage urban habitat. As of August 1, 2009, SUN is now a part of EarthCorps.
Mission
SUN's mission is to create tools to empower stewards for healthy urban ecosystems.
Vision
Seattle Urban Nature envisions a future where:
- People value and act to retain and restore nature in urban areas.
- Nature/natural habitats are integrated into the urban landscape.
- In 20 to 50 years, SUN's data will document a reversal in the current decline of forests and natural habitats in our cities and show a healthier, greener metropolitan area.
- Stewardship of nature is part of people's daily lives.
Goals
- Help people to help nature.
- Provide technical data, training and resources to citizens, organizations and agencies to guide and promote beneficial urban habitat stewardship and policies.
- Create projects and partnerships with local organizations and governments to increase the amount and effectiveness of urban habitat restoration.
- Help people to understand and value nature.
- Through independent scientific data collection and analysis, raise awareness among citizens of the importance and benefits of having healthy native habitats in cities throughout the Puget Sound region.
- Lead educational classes and tours in urban habitats to teach people about nature.
- Document the making of a healthier, greener Puget Sound region.
- Collect scientific data and provide mapping, analysis and research to inform people and policy makers and monitor the quantity and quality of urban habitats over time.
- Focus the organization's technical information and educational efforts on developing and promoting the vision of a new urban landscape ethic where stewardship of nature is part of people's everyday life.
Values
- We believe that people need nature. Vibrant, livable cities provide healthy natural habitats for people, wildilfe, and native plants.
- We believe that nature needs people. Under pressure from heavy use, invasive species and neglect, urban habitats can survive only through active restoration, responsible stewardship and enlightened public policies.
- We believe nature needs science. High-quality, independent, science-based information about urban nature is essential to educate people and influence policy.
- We believe coalitions benefit nature. By working together with local organizations and governments we can more effectively conserve and enhance urban nature.
